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Young RE, Nelson KM, Hofbauer SI, Vijayakumar T, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Papachristou C, Gleghorn JP, Riley RS. Systematic development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for placental mRNA delivery using a design of experiments approach. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:125-137. [PMID: 38223537 PMCID: PMC10784148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention as mRNA delivery platforms for vaccination against COVID-19 and for protein replacement therapies. LNPs enhance mRNA stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and preferential delivery to specific tissues compared to mRNA with no carrier platform. However, LNPs are only in the beginning stages of development for safe and effective mRNA delivery to the placenta to treat placental dysfunction. Here, we develop LNPs that enable high levels of mRNA delivery to trophoblasts in vitro and to the placenta in vivo with no toxicity. We conducted a Design of Experiments to explore how LNP composition, including the type and molar ratio of each lipid component, drives trophoblast and placental delivery. Our data revealed that utilizing C12-200 as the ionizable lipid and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) as the phospholipid in the LNP design yields high transfection efficiency in vitro. Analysis of lipid molar composition as a design parameter in LNPs displayed a strong correlation between apparent pKa and poly (ethylene) glycol (PEG) content, as a reduction in PEG molar amount increases apparent pKa. Further, we present one LNP platform that exhibits the highest delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to the placenta in pregnant mice, resulting in synthesis and secretion of a potentially therapeutic protein. Lastly, our high-performing LNPs have no toxicity to both the pregnant mice and fetuses. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of LNPs as a platform for mRNA delivery to the placenta, and our top LNP formulations may provide a therapeutic platform to treat diseases that originate from placental dysfunction during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Katherine M. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Samuel I. Hofbauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rowan University, 401 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08103, United States
| | - Tara Vijayakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Charalampos Papachristou
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science & Mathematics, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Jason P. Gleghorn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, United States
| | - Rachel S. Riley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
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Kanninen T, Jung E, Gallo DM, Diaz-Primera R, Romero R, Gotsch F, Suksai M, Bosco M, Chaiworapongsa T. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 in pregnancy with a small-for-gestational-age fetus and with preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2153034. [PMID: 36521862 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2153034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preeclampsia and fetal growth disorders are pregnancy-specific conditions that share common pathophysiological mechanisms. Yet, why some patients develop preeclampsia while others experience fetal growth restriction, or a combination of both clinical presentations, is unknown. We propose that the difference in severity of the maternal inflammatory response can contribute to the clinical phenotypes of preeclampsia vs. small for gestational age (SGA). To assess this hypothesis, we measured maternal plasma concentrations of the soluble isoform of suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family that buffers proinflammatory responses. Previous reports showed that serum sST2 concentrations rise in the presence of intravascular inflammation and Th1-type immune responses and are significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia compared to those with normal pregnancy. The behavior of sST2 in pregnancies complicated by SGA has not been reported. This study was conducted to compare sST2 plasma concentrations in normal pregnancies, in those with preeclampsia, and in those with an SGA fetus. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included women with an SGA fetus (n = 52), women with preeclampsia (n = 106), and those with normal pregnancy (n = 131). Maternal plasma concentrations of sST2 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Doppler velocimetry of the uterine and umbilical arteries was available in a subset of patients with SGA (42 patients and 43 patients, respectively). RESULTS (1) Women with an SGA fetus had a significantly higher median plasma concentration of sST2 than normal pregnant women (p = .008); (2) women with preeclampsia had a significantly higher median plasma concentration of sST2 than those with normal pregnancy (p < .001) and those with an SGA fetus (p < .001); (3) patients with SGA and abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry had a higher median plasma concentration of sST2 than controls (p < .01) and those with SGA and normal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry (p = .02); (4) there was no significant difference in the median plasma sST2 concentration between patients with SGA who had normal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry and controls (p = .4); (5) among patients with SGA, those with abnormal and those with normal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry had higher median plasma sST2 concentrations than controls (p = .001 and p = .02, respectively); and (6) there was no significant difference in the median plasma sST2 concentrations between patients with SGA who did and those who did not have abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry (p = .06). CONCLUSIONS Preeclampsia and disorders of fetal growth are conditions characterized by intravascular inflammation, as reflected by maternal plasma concentrations of sST2. The severity of intravascular inflammation is highest in patients with preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomi Kanninen
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dahiana M Gallo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Ramiro Diaz-Primera
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mariachiara Bosco
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Combination of Maternal Serum ESM-1 and PLGF with Uterine Artery Doppler PI for Predicting Preeclampsia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020459. [PMID: 36675388 PMCID: PMC9864636 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether the combination of pregnancy-associated endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1), the placental growth factor (PLGF) in the first- and second-trimester maternal serum, and the uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in the second trimester can predict preeclampsia (PE). METHODS The serum levels of ESM-1 and PLGF in 33 severe preeclampsia (SPE) patients, 18 mild preeclampsia patients (MPE), and 60 age-matched normal controls (CON) were measured. The Doppler ultrasonography was performed, and the artery pulsatility index (PI) was calculated for the same subjects. RESULTS The 2nd PLGF level was significantly lower and the 2nd PI was higher than those in the MPE group. Combining the 2nd PLGF with the 2nd PI yielded an AUC of 0.819 (83.33% sensitivity and 70.00% specificity). In the SPE group, the 1st ESM-1 level and the 2nd PLGF level were significantly lower, and the 2nd ESM-1 level and the 2nd PI were significantly higher in the SPE group. The combination of the 1st ESM-1, the 2nd PLGF, and the 2nd PI yielded an AUC of 0.912 (72.73% sensitivity and 95.00% specificity). CONCLUSIONS The 1st ESM-1 and the 2nd PLGF levels and the 2nd PI were associated with PE. The combination of serum biomarkers and the PI improved the screening efficiency of the PE prediction, especially for SPE.
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Young RE, Nelson KM, Hofbauer SI, Vijayakumar T, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Papachristou C, Gleghorn JP, Riley RS. Lipid Nanoparticle Composition Drives mRNA Delivery to the Placenta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.12.22.521490. [PMID: 36597546 PMCID: PMC9810215 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.22.521490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention as mRNA delivery platforms for vaccination against COVID-19 and for protein replacement therapies. LNPs enhance mRNA stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and preferential delivery to specific tissues compared to mRNA with no carrier platform. However, LNPs have yet to be developed for safe and effective mRNA delivery to the placenta as a method to treat placental dysfunction. Here, we develop LNPs that enable high levels of mRNA delivery to trophoblasts in vitro and to the placenta in vivo with no toxicity. We conducted a Design of Experiments to explore how LNP composition, including the type and molar ratio of each lipid component, drives trophoblast and placental delivery. Our data revealed that a specific combination of ionizable lipid and phospholipid in the LNP design yields high transfection efficiency in vitro . Further, we present one LNP platform that exhibits highest delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to the placenta in pregnant mice, which demonstrates induced protein synthesis and secretion of a therapeutic protein. Lastly, our high-performing LNPs have no toxicity to both the pregnant mice and fetuses. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of LNPs as a platform for mRNA delivery to the placenta. Our top LNPs may provide a therapeutic platform to treat diseases that originate from placental dysfunction during pregnancy.
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Bremner L, Gill C, Seed PT, Conti-Ramsden F, Webster L, Fleminger J, Chappell LC, Shennan A, Bramham K. Rule-in and rule-out of pre-eclampsia using DELFIA Xpress PlGF 1-2-3 and sFlt-1: PlGF ratio. Pregnancy Hypertens 2022; 27:96-102. [PMID: 34979346 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to explore and validate thresholds for Placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase 1 (s-Flt-1) (as s-Flt-1: PlGF ratio), to rule-in and rule-out disease in women with suspected pre-eclampsia, using DELFIA® Xpress PlGF1-2-3 and sFlt-1 assays. STUDY DESIGN 369 samples from women with suspected or confirmed pre-eclampsia were analysed from a prospective cohort study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum PlGF and sFlt-1: PlGF were quantified using DELFIA® Xpress PlGF1-2-3 and DELFIA® Xpress sFlt-1 tests. Performances were evaluated at established and exploratory thresholds. Low PlGF concentration and sFlt-1: PlGF AUROC were compared. RESULTS PlGF 1-2-3 concentration thresholds were confirmed to have high performance for rule-in (<50 pg/ml) and rule-out (≥150 pg/ml) pre-eclampsia within seven days (20-33+6 Weeks <50 pg/ml: Negative predictive value (NPV) 90.7% (95% CI 83.9, 95.3); ≥150 pg/ml: NPV 94.8% (95% CI 88.4, 98.3)) and 28 days (20-33+6 Weeks <50 pg/ml: Negative predictive value (NPV) 83.9% (95% CI 76.0, 90.0); ≥150 pg/ml: NPV 92.8% (95% CI 85.7, 97.0)). Optimal sFlt-1: PlGF thresholds for rule-in were ≥ 70 before 34 weeks and ≥ 90 after 34 weeks, and <50 to rule-out pre-eclampsia. Low PlGF alone had comparable performance to sFlt-1: PlGF, but test performance for both was reduced in women with Kidney Disease. CONCLUSIONS DELFIA® Xpress PlGF1-2-3 and sFlt-1 assays for pre-eclampsia rule-in and rule-out have comparable performance to other established assays, and could be an alternative for clinical use. Performance was not enhanced by use of sFlt-1: PlGF ratio, suggesting that PlGF alone could provide a cheaper alternative to dual biomarker testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bremner
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London
| | - Carolyn Gill
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London
| | - Paul T Seed
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London
| | | | - Louise Webster
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London
| | - Jessica Fleminger
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London
| | - Lucy C Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London; Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Andrew Shennan
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London
| | - Kate Bramham
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London; Department of Renal Medicine, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London.
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Tanaka H, Koide K, Nakamura M, Maki S, Takakura S, Enomoto N, Tanaka K, Katsuragi S, Sekizawa A, Ikeda T. Assessment of the value of measuring soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor levels following administration of tadalafil to treat fetal growth restriction. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:9131-9135. [PMID: 34915808 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2017873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to measure the blood levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) before and after tadalafil treatment in patients with fetal growth restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Maternal blood was collected from 13 women before and 2 weeks after tadalafil administration in the TADAFER II trial. The tadalafil treatment was conducted in addition to the conventional FGR treatment. As a control, maternal blood was also collected from 11 women before and 2 weeks after conventional treatment for fetal growth restriction. Blood sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was calculated. Student's t-test was used to statistically analyze differences in the sFlt-1 and PlGF levels, and in the sFlt-1/PlGF ratios. RESULTS In both treatment groups, the levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF before and after treatment were not significantly different from each other. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was 2.0 ± 1.0 before and 17.6 ± 11.3 after treatment in the control group (p=.04). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was 2.2 ± 1.1 before and 22.2 ± 10.6 after tadalafil treatment in the tadalafil group (p=.06). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratios before and after tadalafil treatment were significantly increased in the control group. In both treatment groups, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratios before and after treatment were less than 38. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were not significantly different as a result of tadalafil treatment. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of tadalafil in the treatment of fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Keiko Koide
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Japan
| | - Shintaro Maki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Sho Takakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Kayo Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Shinji Katsuragi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Travis OK, Tardo GA, Giachelli C, Siddiq S, Nguyen HT, Crosby MT, Johnson TD, Brown AK, Booz GW, Smith AN, Williams JM, Cornelius DC. Interferon γ neutralization reduces blood pressure, uterine artery resistance index, and placental oxidative stress in placental ischemic rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R112-R124. [PMID: 34075808 PMCID: PMC8409917 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00349.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, and increased cytolytic natural killer cells (cNKs), which secrete interferon γ (IFNγ). However, the precise role of IFNγ in contributing to PE pathophysiology remains unclear. Using the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of placental ischemia, we tested the hypothesis that neutralization of IFNγ in RUPPs will decrease placental reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve vascular function resulting in decreased MAP and improved fetal growth. On gestation day (GD) 14, the RUPP procedure was performed and on GDs 15 and 18, a subset of normal pregnant rats (NP) and RUPP rats were injected with 10 μg/kg of an anti-rat IFNγ monoclonal antibody. On GD 18, uterine artery resistance index (UARI) was measured via Doppler ultrasound and on GD 19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured, animals were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Increased MAP was observed in RUPP rats compared with NP and was reduced in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. Placental ROS was also increased in RUPP rats compared with NP rats and was normalized in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. Fetal and placental weights were reduced in RUPP rats, but were not improved following anti-IFNγ treatment. However, UARI was elevated in RUPP compared with NP rats and was reduced in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. In conclusion, we observed that IFNγ neutralization reduced MAP, UARI, and placental ROS in RUPP recipients. These data suggest that IFNγ is a potential mechanism by which cNKs contribute to PE pathophysiology and may represent a therapeutic target to improve maternal outcomes in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Travis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Geilda A Tardo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Chelsea Giachelli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Shani Siddiq
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Henry T Nguyen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Madison T Crosby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Tyler D Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Andrea K Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - George W Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Alex N Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Jan Michael Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Sanchez-Aranguren L, Nadeem S. Bioenergetics adaptations and redox homeostasis in pregnancy and related disorders. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4003-4018. [PMID: 34196872 PMCID: PMC8473347 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a challenging physiological process that involves maternal adaptations to the increasing energetics demands imposed by the growing conceptus. Failure to adapt to these requirements may result in serious health complications for the mother and the baby. The mitochondria are biosynthetic and energy-producing organelles supporting the augmented energetic demands of pregnancy. Evidence suggests that placental mitochondria display a dynamic phenotype through gestation. At early stages of pregnancy placental mitochondria are mainly responsible for the generation of metabolic intermediates and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while at later stages of gestation, the placental mitochondria exhibit high rates of oxygen consumption. This review describes the metabolic fingerprint of the placental mitochondria at different stages of pregnancy and summarises key signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in pathological pregnancy conditions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). So far, the effects of placental-driven metabolic changes governing the metabolic adaptations occurring in different maternal tissues in both, healthy and pathological pregnancies, remain to be uncovered. Understanding the function and molecular aspects of the adaptations occurring in placental and maternal tissue's mitochondria will unveil potential targets for further therapeutic exploration that could address pregnancy-related disorders. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism is an emerging approach for regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics. This review will also describe the potential therapeutic use of compounds with a recognised effect on mitochondria, for the management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Nadeem
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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Gent J, Bullough S, Harrold J, Jackson R, Woolfall K, Andronis L, Kenny L, Cornforth C, Heazell AEP, Benbow E, Alfirevic Z, Sharp A. The PLANES study: a protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study of the placental growth factor (PlGF) blood test-informed care versus standard care alone for women with a small for gestational age fetus at or after 32 + 0 weeks' gestation. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:179. [PMID: 33292754 PMCID: PMC7677818 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00722-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stillbirth remains a major concern across the globe and in some high-resource countries, such as the UK; efforts to reduce the rate have achieved only modest reductions. One third of stillborn babies are small for gestational age (SGA), and these pregnancies are also at risk of neonatal adverse outcomes and lifelong health problems, especially when delivered preterm. Current UK clinical guidance advocates regular monitoring and early term delivery of the SGA fetus; however, the most appropriate regimen for surveillance of these babies remains unclear and often leads to increased intervention for a large number of these women. This pilot trial will determine the feasibility of a large-scale trial refining the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome in SGA pregnancies using biomarkers of placental function sFlt-1/PlGF, identifying and intervening in only those deemed at highest risk of stillbirth. Methods PLANES is a randomised controlled feasibility study of women with an SGA fetus that will be conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in the UK. Once identified on ultrasound, women will be randomised into two groups in a 3:1 ratio in favour of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio led management vs standard care. Women with an SGA fetus and a normal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio will have a repeat ultrasound and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio every 2 weeks with planned birth delayed until 40 weeks. In those women with an SGA fetus and an abnormal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, we will offer birth from 37 weeks or sooner if there are other concerning features on ultrasound. Women assigned to standard care will have an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio taken, but the results will be concealed from the clinical team, and the woman’s pregnancy will be managed as per the local NHS hospital policy. This integrated mixed method study will also involve a health economic analysis and a perspective work package exploring trial feasibility through interviews and questionnaires with participants, their partners, and clinicians. Discussion Our aim is to determine feasibility through the assessment of our ability to recruit and retain participants to the study. Results from this pilot study will inform the design of a future large randomised controlled trial that will be adequately powered for adverse pregnancy outcome. Such a study would provide the evidence needed to guide future management of the SGA fetus. Trial registration ISRCTN58254381. Registered on 4 July 2019
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Gent
- Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sian Bullough
- Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane Harrold
- Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Jackson
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kerry Woolfall
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lazaros Andronis
- Division of Health Sciences and Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Louise Kenny
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 5th Floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Emily Benbow
- Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Zarko Alfirevic
- Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Sharp
- Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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10
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Awe O, Sinkway JM, Chow RP, Wagener Q, Schulz EV, Yu JY, Nietert PJ, Wagner CL, Lee KH. Differential regulation of a placental SAM68 and sFLT1 gene pathway and the relevance to maternal vitamin D sufficiency. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 22:196-203. [PMID: 33068876 PMCID: PMC7688503 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine if an axis of placental gene expression associated with early onset and severe preeclampsia (EOSPE) was operative in term pregnancy and correlated with vitamin D sufficiency. METHODS qPCR analysis of NKX2-5, SAM68, sFLT1 and membrane bound VEGFR1/FLT1 mRNA expression was conducted in placentas from 43 subjects enrolled in a vitamin D3 pregnancy supplementation trial. Pair-wise rank order correlations between patient-specific gene expression levels were calculated, and their relationship to maternal 25(OH)D status was assessed by a two-sample Wilcoxon test. Additionally, we probed the mechanistic link between SAM68 and sFLT1 using siRNA depletion in a human trophoblast cell line model. RESULTS Positive and highly significant correlations were found between SAM68 vs. sFLT1 and SAM68 vs. FLT1 expression levels, as were significant and differential correlations between the expression of these genes and perinatal 25(OH)D status. The variability when stratified by race/ethnicity was qualitatively distinct from those previously observed in EOSPE. Mechanistic studies confirmed a functional role for SAM68 protein in the regulation of sFLT1 expression. NKX2-5 expression was not significantly correlated with sFLT1 or SAM68 expression in these samples, suggesting that its expression may be significant at earlier stages of pregnancy or be restricted to pathological settings. CONCLUSIONS These data further support our overarching hypothesis that SAM68 expression is a key determinant of VEGFR1 isoform expression in the placenta, and provide additional insights into how this gene pathway may be differentially deployed or modified in normal and pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyindamola Awe
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - James M Sinkway
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Rebecca P Chow
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Quentell Wagener
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Elizabeth V Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Jeremy Y Yu
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Carol L Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Kyu-Ho Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States; Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology Department, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.
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11
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Aneman I, Pienaar D, Suvakov S, Simic TP, Garovic VD, McClements L. Mechanisms of Key Innate Immune Cells in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1864. [PMID: 33013837 PMCID: PMC7462000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complex cardiovascular disorder of pregnancy with underlying multifactorial pathogeneses; however, its etiology is not fully understood. It is characterized by the new onset of maternal hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria, maternal organ damage, and/or uteroplacental dysfunction. Preeclampsia can be subdivided into early- and late-onset phenotypes (EOPE and LOPE), diagnosed before 34 weeks or from 34 weeks of gestation, respectively. Impaired placental development in early pregnancy and subsequent growth restriction is often associated with EOPE, while LOPE is associated with maternal endothelial dysfunction. The innate immune system plays an essential role in normal progression of physiological pregnancy and fetal development. However, inappropriate or excessive activation of this system can lead to placental dysfunction or poor maternal vascular adaptation and contribute to the development of preeclampsia. This review aims to comprehensively outline the mechanisms of key innate immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, and innate B1 cells, in normal physiological pregnancy, EOPE and LOPE. The roles of the complement system, syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are also discussed in the context of innate immune system regulation and preeclampsia. The outlined molecular mechanisms, which represent potential therapeutic targets, and associated emerging treatments, are evaluated as treatments for preeclampsia. Therefore, by addressing the current understanding of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of EOPE and LOPE, this review will contribute to the body of research that could lead to the development of better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. Importantly, it will delineate the differences in the mechanisms of the innate immune system in two different types of preeclampsia, which is necessary for a more personalized approach to the monitoring and treatment of affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Aneman
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dillan Pienaar
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonja Suvakov
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tatjana P. Simic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna D. Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lana McClements
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Guzman-Genuino RM, Hayball JD, Diener KR. Regulatory B Cells: Dark Horse in Pregnancy Immunotherapy? J Mol Biol 2020; 433:166596. [PMID: 32693108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There are many unanswered questions surrounding the function of immune cells and how they interact with the reproductive system to support successful pregnancy or contribute to pregnancy pathologies. While the role of immune cells such as uterine natural killer and dendritic cells, and more recently regulatory T cells has been established, the role of another major immune cell population, the B cell, and particularly the regulatory B cells, is relatively poorly understood. This review outlines what is known about B-cell subsets in the context of pregnancy, what constitutes a regulatory B cell and what role they may play, particularly during early pregnancy. Lastly, we discuss why immunotherapies for the treatment of pregnancy disorders is not widely progressed clinically and speculate on the potential of functional regulatory B cells as the basis of novel immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of immune-based pregnancy pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Marian Guzman-Genuino
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John D Hayball
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kerrilyn R Diener
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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13
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Enengl S, Mayer RB, Le Renard PE, Shebl O, Arzt W, Oppelt P. Retrospective evaluation of established cut-off values for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for predicting imminent delivery in preeclampsia patients. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 19:143-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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14
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Di Pasquo E, Ghi T, Dall'Asta A, Angeli L, Fieni S, Pedrazzi G, Frusca T. Maternal cardiac parameters can help in differentiating the clinical profile of preeclampsia and in predicting progression from mild to severe forms. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:633.e1-633.e9. [PMID: 31226294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A primary role of maternal heart dysfunction in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia had been previously advocated although if contradictory results have been reported. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were to describe maternal hemodynamic parameters according to 2 main preeclampsia phenotypes and to investigate whether cardiac findings may be helpful in characterizing the severity and the progression of the disease. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study. We used an ultrasonic cardiac output monitor system to compare the hemodynamic parameters of women with preeclampsia with a group of healthy normotensive women enrolled as controls with a ratio of 1:2. Cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and stroke volume were compared among controls and preeclamptic women who were grouped in accordance to the following characteristics: early preeclampsia (<34 weeks' gestation) vs late preeclampsia onset (≥34 weeks' gestation); preeclampsia associated with appropriate for gestational age or small-for-gestational-age newborns. Hemodynamic characteristics were also compared between preeclamptic women with a mild form vs those who progressed toward a severe form. RESULTS A total of 38 preeclamptic women and 61 normotensive women were included in the study. Both cases of preeclampsia associated with small-for-gestational-age neonates as those with normal-sized ones showed higher systemic vascular resistance compared with the control group (respectively, 1580.6 ± 483.2 vs 1479.1 ± 433.3 vs 1105.3 ± 293.1; P < .0001), while a lower cardiac output was reported only for preeclamptic women with small-for-gestational-age neonates compared with controls (5.7 ± 1.5 vs 6.5 ± 1.3; P = .02). Maternal cardiac parameters were comparable between these 2 groups of preeclamptic women (small-for-gestational-age vs appropriate-for-gestational-age preeclampsia) with the exception of a lower stroke volume in the former one (64.8 ± 24.4 vs 75.2 ± 17.8; P = .04). Similarly, women with both early and late preeclampsia showed higher systemic vascular resistance compared with controls (1559.5 ± 528.3 vs 1488.5 ± 292.9 vs 1105.3 ± 293.1, respectively; P < .001), while a lower cardiac output was noted only in the early-onset group compared with controls (5.5 ± 1.2 P = .02). Maternal cardiac findings were similar between women with early vs late-onset preeclampsia. Hemodynamic parameters are significantly different between those women with mild preeclampsia who remained stable compared with those who progressed toward a severe disease. Cardiac output Z-score, systemic vascular resistance Z-score, and uterine arteries' pulsatility index Z-score showed similar sensitivity (80% vs 75% vs 80%, respectively) and specificity (73% vs. 73% vs 74%, respectively), while the association of systemic vascular resistance Z-score and uterine arteries pulsatility index Z-score showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 80% (area under the curve, 0.90) in predicting evolution toward severe forms. CONCLUSION Evaluation of maternal cardiovascular system could help clinician in defining a subset of preeclamptic patients with more profound placental impairment and might predict the likelihood of progression toward a severe condition in cases with a mild preeclampsia at clinical onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Di Pasquo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tullio Ghi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Dall'Asta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Angeli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Fieni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Frusca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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15
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Abstract
Pregnancy, a challenging physiological state, requires shuffling of conventional immune work-sets. Strategies to tolerate the semi-allogenic fetus in normal human pregnancy are multivariate with perfect modulation of the immune cells. Pregnancy is marked by B cell lymphocytopenia accompanied by reduced responsiveness to infectious agents. Besides this old age concept, plenty of research confirms that B cells have other crucial roles in pregnancy and undergo a wide range of modifications in terms of its proliferation, switching between its subtypes, variation in antibody productions, shifting the tides of cytokines as well as regulating other immune cells. B cells establish tolerant environment in pregnancy by producing protective antibodies to encounter the foreign paternal antigens. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) have adopted anti-inflammatory characteristics to sustain normal pregnancy. Moreover, the colossal physiological alterations during human pregnancy also include synchronized changes in the cross-talks between the pregnancy hormones and B cells. These aspects of pregnancy from the view point of B cell functions have so far appeared individually in discrete reports. This review finds its novelty in concisely presenting every facet of association of B cell with human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Nazmul Haque
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
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16
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Del Gobbo GF, Konwar C, Robinson WP. The significance of the placental genome and methylome in fetal and maternal health. Hum Genet 2019; 139:1183-1196. [PMID: 31555906 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02058-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a crucial organ for supporting a healthy pregnancy, and defective development or function of the placenta is implicated in a number of complications of pregnancy that affect both maternal and fetal health, including maternal preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and spontaneous preterm birth. In this review, we highlight the role of the placental genome in mediating fetal and maternal health by discussing the impact of a variety of genetic alterations, from large whole-chromosome aneuploidies to single-nucleotide variants, on placental development and function. We also discuss the placental methylome in relation to its potential applications for refining diagnosis, predicting pathology, and identifying genetic variants with potential functional significance. We conclude that understanding the influence of the placental genome on common placental-mediated pathologies is critical to improving perinatal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia F Del Gobbo
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada.
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17
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Shen XY, Zheng LL, Huang J, Kong HF, Chang YJ, Wang F, Xin H. CircTRNC18 inhibits trophoblast cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating miR-762/Grhl2 pathway in pre-eclampsia. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1565-1573. [PMID: 31354028 PMCID: PMC6779405 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1644591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-regulated cell migration and invasion have been involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE). However, the role of circRNAs in EMT of PE has not been widely investigated. In this study, we identified that circTNRC18 was upregulated in PE placentas compared with normal pregnancy placentas. Moreover, circTNRC18 negatively regulated trophoblast cell migration and EMT. Overexpression of circTNRC18 reduced while depletion of circTNRC18 enhanced trophoblast cell migration and EMT. Mechanistically, circTNRC18 sponged miR-762 contributed to inhibit miR-762 activity and elevated EMT-related transcriptional factor Grhl2 protein level. miR-762 expression was lower in PE placentas and played a promoting role in trophoblast cell migration and EMT. In contrast, Grhl2 was highly expressed in PE placentas. Furthermore, we confirmed that upregulation of Grhl2 by circ-TNRC18-induced inhibition of miR-762 led to trophoblast cell migration and EMT. In conclusions, circTNRC18/miR-762/Grhl2 axis plays a key role in trophoblast cell migration and EMT. circTNRC18/miR-762/Grhl2 axis may be a potential therapeutic target in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China.,Department of Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Hong-Fang Kong
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Ya-Jing Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
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18
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Padayachee S, Moodley J, Naicker T. A Review of Angiogenic Imbalance in HIV-Infected Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Curr Hypertens Rep 2019; 21:69. [PMID: 31342170 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-019-0970-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides a comprehensive insight into the angiogenic profile of hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies compromised by HIV infection. Furthermore, we evaluate the economic implementation of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and review the reports on therapeutic apheresis in limiting sFlt-1 production. RECENT FINDINGS In preeclampsia, an increased expression of sFlt-1 triggers angiogenic imbalance. Women of African ancestry have high levels of angiogenic factors than other racial groups. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio shows promise in the early assessment of preeclampsia, while sFlt-1 apheresis restores angiogenic imbalance. Studies suggest antiretroviral therapy does not impact the angiogenic shift in preeclampsia development. The angiogenic profile in pregnant women of different races influences preeclampsia development. Despite the opposing immune response in HIV infection and preeclampsia, the HIV tat protein strongly mimics vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); hence, it is plausible to assume that HIV infection may ameliorate the angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenic Proteins/blood
- Angiogenic Proteins/physiology
- Biomarkers/blood
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Blood Component Removal
- Female
- HIV Infections/blood
- HIV Infections/complications
- HIV Infections/physiopathology
- Humans
- Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/blood
- Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/physiopathology
- Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/therapy
- Membrane Proteins/blood
- Membrane Proteins/physiology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/blood
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/physiopathology
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology
- Pre-Eclampsia/blood
- Pre-Eclampsia/physiopathology
- Pre-Eclampsia/therapy
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/blood
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/physiopathology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/blood
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/physiology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/blood
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/physiology
- tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/blood
- tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Padayachee
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4013, South Africa.
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4013, South Africa
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19
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Kurlak LO, Broughton Pipkin F, Mohaupt MG, Mistry HD. Responses of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in pregnant chronic kidney disease patients with and without superimposed pre-eclampsia. Clin Kidney J 2019; 12:847-854. [PMID: 31807298 PMCID: PMC6885683 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of superimposed pre-eclampsia (SPE). Accurate identification of SPE is challenging. We hypothesized that specific components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) would discriminate between CKD and SPE. The aim of the study was to establish differences in circulating and intrarenal RAAS in women with CKD with and without SPE and compare these to normotensive controls (NCs) and women with pre-eclampsia (PE). Methods White European NC women (n = 20), women with PE (n = 9), normotensive CKD without SPE (n = 8) and with SPE (n = 11) were recruited in the third trimester. Plasma renin, plasma and urine total angiotensinogen (AGT) concentrations were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, urinary tetrahydroaldosterone (TH-aldo) concentration by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and placental growth factor (PlGF) by immunoassay. Results Urinary TH-aldo:creatinine ratios were lower in women with PE or SPE compared with NC or women with CKD (P < 0.05 for all). The same group differences were observed for plasma active renin and PlGF concentrations (P < 0.05 for all). Urine total AGT was higher in women with PE compared with NC (P < 0.05) and urine TH-aldo:urine AGT was lower (P < 0.05). However, women with SPE had lower urinary AGT concentrations compared with women with PE (P < 0.05). No differences in plasma total AGT were observed between groups. Conclusions Women with SPE have a lower urinary TH-aldo:creatinine ratio, lower plasma active renin and lower PlGF concentrations than women with CKD, comparable to women with PE without pre-existing disease, suggestive of similar pathophysiology. These data suggest disruption of the RAAS pathway in SPE similar to PE. Exploration of the predictive value of RAAS components for adverse pregnancy events in women with CKD is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesia O Kurlak
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Fiona Broughton Pipkin
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Markus G Mohaupt
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Internal Medicine, Teaching Hospital Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hiten D Mistry
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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20
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Rao A, Berg B, Quezada T, Fader R, Walker K, Tang S, Cowen U, Duncan D, Sickler J. Diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of group a streptococcal pharyngitis in children in a primary care setting: impact of point-of-care polymerase chain reaction. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:24. [PMID: 30651115 PMCID: PMC6335697 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1393-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare the sensitivity and specificity of the recommended 2-step rapid antigen detection test (RADT) with confirmatory culture vs the point-of-care (POC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Roche cobas® Liat® Strep A test for detection of group A Streptococcus (GAS) in pediatric patients with pharyngitis, and to investigate the impact of these tests on antibiotic use in a large pediatric clinic. METHODS This prospective, open-label study was conducted at a single site during fall/winter 2016-2017. A total of 275 patients aged 3 to 18 years with symptoms of pharyngitis had a throat-swab specimen analyzed using RADT, POC PCR, and culture. The sensitivity, specificity, and percentage agreement (95% CI) between assays and a laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification test were calculated. DNA sequencing was used to adjudicate discrepancies. The RADT or POC PCR result was provided to clinicians on alternating weeks to compare the impact on antibiotic use. RESULTS A total of 255 samples were evaluated; 110 (43.1%) were GAS positive. Sensitivities (95% CI) for POC PCR, RADT, and culture were 95.5% (89.7-98.5%), 85.5% (77.5-1.5%), and 71.8% (62.4-80.0%), respectively. Specificities (95% CI) for POC PCR, RADT, and culture were 99.3% (96.2-99.98%), 93.7% (88.5-97.1%), and 100% (97.5-100%), respectively. Compared with RADT, POC PCR resulted in significantly greater appropriate antibiotic use (97.1% vs 87.5%; P = .0065). CONCLUSION Under real-world conditions, RADT results were less specific and culture results were less sensitive than found in established literature and led to increased rates of inappropriate antibiotic use. POC PCR had high sensitivity and specificity and rapid turnaround times, and led to more appropriate antibiotic use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID number ISRCTN84562679 . Registered October 162,018, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhati Rao
- Molecular Genetics and Technical Pathology, Scott and White Medical Center–Temple, 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508 USA
| | | | - Theresa Quezada
- Molecular Genetics and Technical Pathology, Scott and White Medical Center–Temple, 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508 USA
| | - Robert Fader
- Molecular Genetics and Technical Pathology, Scott and White Medical Center–Temple, 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508 USA
| | - Kimberly Walker
- Molecular Genetics and Technical Pathology, Scott and White Medical Center–Temple, 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508 USA
| | | | - Ula Cowen
- Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA USA
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McCarthy FP, Gill C, Seed PT, Bramham K, Chappell LC, Shennan AH. Comparison of three commercially available placental growth factor-based tests in women with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia: the COMPARE study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2019; 53:62-67. [PMID: 29575304 PMCID: PMC6588004 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the performance of three placental growth factor (PlGF)-based tests in predicting delivery within 14 days from testing in women with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia before 35 weeks' gestation. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of samples collected from three prospective pregnancy cohort studies. Participants were pregnant women with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia recruited in tertiary maternity units in the UK and Ireland. Samples were analyzed simultaneously according to the manufacturers' directions. The tests compared were the DELFIA Xpress PlGF 1-2-3 test, the Triage PlGF test and the Elecsys immunoassay soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/PlGF ratio. Areas under receiver-operating characteristics curves (AUCs) were compared. The main outcome measure was detection of a difference of 0.05 in AUC between tests for delivery within 14 days of testing. RESULTS Plasma samples from 396 women and serum samples from 244 women were assayed. In predicting delivery within 14 days secondary to suspected pre-eclampsia prior to 35 weeks' gestation, no significant differences were observed in AUCs (P = 0.795), sensitivities (P = 0.249), positive predictive values (P = 0.765) or negative predictive values (P = 0.920) between the three tests. The specificity of the Elecsys sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test was higher than that of the other two tests (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The tests perform similarly in their prediction of need for delivery within 14 days in women with suspected pre-eclampsia. The high negative predictive values support the role of PlGF-based tests as 'rule-out' tests for pre-eclampsia. © 2018 Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. P. McCarthy
- Department of Women and Children's HealthKing's College LondonSt Thomas' Hospital, LondonUK
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyCork University Maternity HospitalWilton, CorkIreland
| | - C. Gill
- Department of Women and Children's HealthKing's College LondonSt Thomas' Hospital, LondonUK
| | - P. T. Seed
- Department of Women and Children's HealthKing's College LondonSt Thomas' Hospital, LondonUK
| | - K. Bramham
- Department of Women and Children's HealthKing's College LondonSt Thomas' Hospital, LondonUK
| | - L. C. Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's HealthKing's College LondonSt Thomas' Hospital, LondonUK
| | - A. H. Shennan
- Department of Women and Children's HealthKing's College LondonSt Thomas' Hospital, LondonUK
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22
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Nguyen TH, Bui TC, Vo TM, Tran QM, Luu LTT, Nguyen TD. Predictive value of the sFlt-1 and PlGF in women at risk for preeclampsia in the south of Vietnam. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018; 14:37-42. [PMID: 30527116 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) play potential roles in preeclampsia diagnosis. Nevertheless, studies on the use of sFlt-1, PlGF, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting preeclampsia have found contradictory results. Thus, more studies in different populations are needed. OBJECTIVES This study aims to (i) examine the associations between sFlt-1, PlGF, or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at gestational ages of 24-28 weeks and subsequent preeclampsia, and (ii) estimate predictive values of these markers in southern Vietnamese women. METHODS We used a nested case-control design from a cohort of 490 pregnant women who were at risk of preeclampsia. The total sample size for statistical analysis consisted of 30 cases and 67controls. Levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were quantified by using a fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay platform (Elecsys®/Cobas®). RESULTS The median of sFlt-1 concentration was not statistically different between case and control groups. The median PlGF concentration was lower (349.7 pg/ml versus 534.6 pg/ml, P < .001) and the median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was higher in the preeclampsia group (4.3 versus 1.9, P < .001). After adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, nullipara, and body mass index, the odds of preeclampsia in women with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the fourth quartile were 10 times greater than in women with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the other quartiles (95% confidence interval, 3.2-31.4; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the literature that sFlt-1/PlGF ratio measured at gestational weeks 24-28 in southern Vietnamese women can separate preeclamptic from normotensive cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Huu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Thanh Cong Bui
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.
| | - Tuan Minh Vo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Quan Minh Tran
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | | | - Tai Duy Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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Oludare G, Jinadu H, Aro O. L-arginine attenuates blood pressure and reverses the suppression of angiogenic risk factors in a rat model of preeclampsia. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2018; 25:389-395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Parchem JG, Kanasaki K, Kanasaki M, Sugimoto H, Xie L, Hamano Y, Lee SB, Gattone VH, Parry S, Strauss JF, Garovic VD, McElrath TF, Lu KH, Sibai BM, LeBleu VS, Carmeliet P, Kalluri R. Loss of placental growth factor ameliorates maternal hypertension and preeclampsia in mice. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:5008-5017. [PMID: 30179860 PMCID: PMC6205389 DOI: 10.1172/jci99026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia remains a clinical challenge due to its poorly understood pathogenesis. A prevailing notion is that increased placental production of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) causes the maternal syndrome by inhibiting proangiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and VEGF. However, the significance of PlGF suppression in preeclampsia is uncertain. To test whether preeclampsia results from the imbalance of angiogenic factors reflected by an abnormal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, we studied PlGF KO (Pgf-/-) mice and noted that the mice did not develop signs or sequelae of preeclampsia despite a marked elevation in circulating sFLT-1. Notably, PlGF KO mice had morphologically distinct placentas, showing an accumulation of junctional zone glycogen. We next considered the role of placental PlGF in an established model of preeclampsia (pregnant catechol-O-methyltransferase-deficient [COMT-deficient] mice) by generating mice with deletions in both the Pgf and Comt genes. Deletion of placental PlGF in the context of COMT loss resulted in a reduction in maternal blood pressure and increased placental glycogen, indicating that loss of PlGF might be protective against the development of preeclampsia. These results identify a role for PlGF in placental development and support a complex model for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia beyond an angiogenic factor imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline G Parchem
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Megumi Kanasaki
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hikaru Sugimoto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liang Xie
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuki Hamano
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Soo Bong Lee
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent H Gattone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen H Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Baha M Sibai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Valerie S LeBleu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Vesalius Research Center, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Sharp A, Chappell LC, Dekker G, Pelletier S, Garnier Y, Zeren O, Hillerer KM, Fischer T, Seed PT, Turner M, Shennan AH, Alfirevic Z. Placental Growth Factor informed management of suspected pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction: The MAPPLE cohort study. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018; 14:228-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Portelli M, Baron B. Clinical Presentation of Preeclampsia and the Diagnostic Value of Proteins and Their Methylation Products as Biomarkers in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia and Their Newborns. J Pregnancy 2018; 2018:2632637. [PMID: 30050697 PMCID: PMC6046127 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2632637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder which affects 1-10% of pregnant women worldwide. It is characterised by hypertension and proteinuria in the later stages of gestation and can lead to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Other than the delivery of the foetus and the removal of the placenta, to date there are no therapeutic approaches to treat or prevent PE. It is thus only possible to reduce PE-related mortality through early detection, careful monitoring, and treatment of the symptoms. For these reasons the search for noninvasive, blood-borne, or urinary biochemical markers that could be used for the screening, presymptomatic diagnosis, and prediction of the development of PE is of great urgency. So far, a number of biomarkers have been proposed for predicting PE, based on pathophysiological observations, but these have mostly proven to be unreliable and inconsistent between different studies. The clinical presentation of PE and data gathered for the biochemical markers placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble Feline McDonough Sarcoma- (fms-) like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and methyl-lysine is being reviewed with the aim of providing both a clinical and biochemical understanding of how these biomarkers might assist in the diagnosis of PE or indicate its severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Portelli
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
| | - Byron Baron
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
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Cele SB, Odun-Ayo F, Onyangunga OA, Moodley J, Naicker T. Analysis of hepatocyte growth factor immunostaining in the placenta of HIV-infected normotensive versus preeclamptic pregnant women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2018; 227:60-66. [PMID: 29886319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) plays a role in the migration and morphogenesis of different cell types and tissues. Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with deficient trophoblast invasion and placental insufficiency; hence HGF production is expected to be compromised. This study therefore aimed to immunolocalize and morphometrically analyse placental HGF in normotensive versus PE pregnancies stratified by HIV status and gestational age. STUDY DESIGN Normotensive (N; n = 40) and preeclamptic (PE; n = 80) women were stratified by HIV status (HIV- and HIV+), and gestational age i.e. early onset of PE (EOPE; <34 weeks) and late onset of PE (LOPE; ≥34 weeks). Placental tissues were stained using conventional immunohistochemistry, performed using mouse anti-human HGF antibody. Morphometric image analysis was performed using Zeiss Axio-Vision software. RESULTS HGF was immuno-localized within the syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, endothelial and fibroblast-like cell populations of both conducting and exchange villi. Based on pregnancy type, HGF immunoexpression within the conducting villi was significantly different between Nvs EOPE (p = 0.0372) and EOPE vs LOPE (p = 0.0006). Within the exchange villi, no significant difference of HGF immunostaining was noted between N vs EOPE and N vs LOPE. A down-regulation of HGF immuno-expression was observed in LOPE compared to other groups within both villi types, albeit non-significant. Based on HIV status, no significant difference in HGF immuno-expression was demonstrated between HIV- vs HIV + within the exchange and conducting villi. However, the expression of HGF in HIV- group was elevated in both villi types. Across the groups, a significant difference was found between N+ vs EOPE- (p = 0.0207), EOPE+ vs LOPE- (p = 0.0036) and EOPE- vs LOPE- (p = 0.0016) of the conducting villi while no significant difference was found within the exchange villi. CONCLUSION This novel study demonstrates that HGF was two-fold higher in conducting compared to exchange villi irrespective of the pregnancy type. HIV infection does not influence HGF expression within the conducting and exchange villi. The HGF/c-MET receptor complex may modulate the ligand expression within the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Cele
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - F Odun-Ayo
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - O A Onyangunga
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - J Moodley
- Womens' Health and HIV Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - T Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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Hu X, Ao J, Li X, Zhang H, Wu J, Cheng W. Competing endogenous RNA expression profiling in pre-eclampsia identifies hsa_circ_0036877 as a potential novel blood biomarker for early pre-eclampsia. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:48. [PMID: 29643944 PMCID: PMC5891938 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The etiology and pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE) is unclear, and there is no ideal early clinical biomarker for prediction of PE. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis is a new approach to uncover the molecular pathology of PE. The first aim of this study was to perform messenger RNA, long non-coding RNA, and circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiling of human normal and severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) placentas. circRNA, which has a stable structure, is a more suitable biomarker than other types of RNA. Therefore, the second aim of our study was to select some differentially expressed circRNAs in PE placentas as early clinical biomarkers of PE in blood circulation. Results Using microarray analysis, we investigated differentially expressed ceRNAs in human normal and SPE placentas. Bioinformatics, such as gene ontology, KEGG pathway, and ceRNA network analyses, were performed to evaluate the microarray data and gain further insights into the biological processes. RNAs (Chd5, Furin, lnc-ELAVL4-9:1, lnc-RAP1GAP2-5:2, hsa_circ_0036877, hsa_circ_0036878, hsa_circ_0055724, hsa_circ_0049730, and hsa_circ_0036474) were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) of AGO2 in htra-8 cells and qRT-PCR analysis of hsa_circ_0036877 expression in maternal whole peripheral blood samples of participants were then conducted to confirm that hsa_circ_0036877 is a ceRNA and potential novel blood biomarker for early PE, respectively. Conclusion Our study is the first systematic profiling of ceRNAs in placentas of PE patients and revealed the global ceRNA network integration in PE. Moreover, hsa_circ_0036877 can function as a ceRNA and serve as a potential novel blood biomarker for early PE. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0482-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Hu
- 1International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 910. Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030 China.,2Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800. Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240 China.,4Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China
| | - Junping Ao
- 3State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xinyue Li
- 2Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800. Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- 1International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 910. Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Ji Wu
- 1International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 910. Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030 China.,2Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800. Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240 China.,4Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China
| | - Weiwei Cheng
- 1International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 910. Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030 China
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Velegrakis A, Sfakiotaki M, Sifakis S. Human placental growth hormone in normal and abnormal fetal growth. Biomed Rep 2017; 7:115-122. [PMID: 28804622 PMCID: PMC5526045 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human placental growth hormone (PGH), encoded by the growth hormone (GH) variant gene on chromosome 17, is expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous cytotrophoblast layers of the human placenta. Its maternal serum levels increase throughout pregnancy, and gradually replaces the pulsatile secreted pituitary GH. PGH is also detectable in cord blood and in the amniotic fluid. This placental-origin hormone stimulates glyconeogenesis, lipolysis and anabolism in maternal organs, and influences fetal growth, placental development and maternal adaptation to pregnancy. The majority of these actions are performed indirectly by regulating maternal insulin-like growth factor-I levels, while the extravillous trophoblast involvement indicates a direct effect on placental development, as it stimulates trophoblast invasiveness and function via a potential combination of autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The current review focuses on the role of PGH in fetal growth. In addition, the association of PGH alterations in maternal circulation and placental expression in pregnancy complications associated with abnormal fetal growth is briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Velegrakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Venizelion General Hospital, Heraklion 71409, Greece
| | - Maria Sfakiotaki
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion 71201, Greece
| | - Stavros Sifakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion 71201, Greece
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Akhter T, Wikström A, Larsson M, Larsson A, Wikström G, Naessen T. Association between angiogenic factors and signs of arterial aging in women with pre-eclampsia. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 50:93-99. [PMID: 27256927 PMCID: PMC5516159 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pre-eclampsia (PE) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. In cases with PE there is a substantial increase in levels of the antiangiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and decreased levels of the proangiogenic factor placental growth factor (PlGF). Elevated levels of sFlt-1 are also found in individuals with cardiovascular disease. The aims of this study were to assess levels of sFlt-1, PlGF and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and their correlation with signs of arterial aging by measuring the common carotid artery (CCA) intima and media thicknesses and their ratio (I/M ratio) in women with and without PE. METHODS Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and CCA intima and media thicknesses were estimated using high-frequency (22-MHz) ultrasonography in 55 women at PE diagnosis and in 64 women with normal pregnancy at a similar gestational age, with reassessment at 1 year postpartum. RESULTS During pregnancy, higher levels of sFlt-1, lower levels of PlGF, a thicker intima, a thinner media and a higher I/M ratio of the CCA were found in women with PE vs controls (all P < 0.0001). Further, sFlt-1 and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were positively correlated with intima thickness and I/M ratio (all P < 0.0001). At 1 year postpartum, levels of sFlt-1 and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio had decreased in both groups; however, their levels in the PE group were still higher than in the controls (P = 0.001 and < 0.0001, respectively). Levels of sFlt-1 and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio remained positively correlated with intima thickness and I/M ratio at 1 year postpartum. CONCLUSIONS Higher sFlt-1 levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with PE were positively associated with signs of arterial aging during pregnancy. At 1 year postpartum, sFlt-1 levels and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were still higher in the PE group and were associated with the degree of arterial aging. © 2016 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Akhter
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Section of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - A.‐K. Wikström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Section of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - M. Larsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Section of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - A. Larsson
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical SciencesUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - G. Wikström
- Cardiology, Department of Medical SciencesUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - T. Naessen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Section of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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Roskoski R. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor inhibitors in the treatment of renal cell carcinomas. Pharmacol Res 2017; 120:116-132. [PMID: 28330784 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is lost in most renal cell carcinomas while the nondeleted allele exhibits hypermethylation-induced inactivation or inactivating somatic mutations. As a result of these genetic modifications, there is an increased production of VEGF-A and pro-angiogenic growth factors in this disorder. The important role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinomas and other tumors has focused the attention of investigators on the biology of VEGFs and VEGFR1-3 and to the development of inhibitors of the intricate and multifaceted angiogenic pathways. VEGFR1-3 contain an extracellular segment with seven immunoglobulin-like domains, a transmembrane segment, a juxtamembrane segment, a protein kinase domain with an insert of about 70 amino acid residues, and a C-terminal tail. VEGF-A stimulates the activation of preformed VEGFR2 dimers by the auto-phosphorylation of activation segment tyrosines followed by the phosphorylation of additional protein-tyrosines that recruit phosphotyrosine binding proteins thereby leading to signalling by the ERK1/2, AKT, Src, and p38 MAP kinase pathways. VEGFR1 modulates the activity of VEGFR2, which is the chief pathway in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGFR3 and its ligands (VEGF-C and VEGF-D) are involved primarily in lymphangiogenesis. Small molecule VEGFR1/2/3 inhibitors including axitinib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, and pazopanib are approved by the FDA for the treatment of renal cell carcinomas. Most of these agents are type II inhibitors of VEGFR2 and inhibit the so-called DFG-Aspout inactive enzyme conformation. These drugs are steady-state competitive inhibitors with respect to ATP and like ATP they form hydrogen bonds with the hinge residues that connect the small and large protein kinase lobes. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGF-A, is also approved for the treatment of renal cell carcinomas. Resistance to these agents invariably occurs within one year of treatment and clinical studies are underway to determine the optimal sequence of treatment with these anti-angiogenic agents. The nivolumab immune checkpoint inhibitor is also approved for the second-line treatment of renal cell carcinomas. Owing to the resistance of renal cell carcinomas to cytotoxic drugs and radiation therapy, the development of these agents has greatly improved the therapeutic options in the treatment of these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 116, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC 28742-8814, United States.
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Boeldt DS, Bird IM. Vascular adaptation in pregnancy and endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R27-R44. [PMID: 27729465 PMCID: PMC5115955 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Maternal vascular adaptation to pregnancy is critically important to expand the capacity for blood flow through the uteroplacental unit to meet the needs of the developing fetus. Failure of the maternal vasculature to properly adapt can result in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy such as preeclampsia (PE). Herein, we review the endocrinology of maternal adaptation to pregnancy and contrast this with that of PE. Our focus is specifically on those hormones that directly influence endothelial cell function and dysfunction, as endothelial cell dysfunction is a hallmark of PE. A variety of growth factors and cytokines are present in normal vascular adaptation to pregnancy. However, they have also been shown to be circulating at abnormal levels in PE pregnancies. Many of these factors promote endothelial dysfunction when present at abnormal levels by acutely inhibiting key Ca2+ signaling events and chronically promoting the breakdown of endothelial cell-cell contacts. Increasingly, our understanding of how the contributions of the placenta, immune cells, and the endothelium itself promote the endocrine milieu of PE is becoming clearer. We then describe in detail how the complex endocrine environment of PE affects endothelial cell function, why this has contributed to the difficulty in fully understanding and treating this disorder, and how a focus on signaling convergence points of many hormones may be a more successful treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Boeldt
- Department of Ob/GynPerinatal Research Laboratories, University Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - I M Bird
- Department of Ob/GynPerinatal Research Laboratories, University Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Panagodage S, Yong HE, Da Silva Costa F, Borg AJ, Kalionis B, Brennecke SP, Murthi P. Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid Treatment Modulates the Production of Cytokines and Improves Trophoblast Function in an in Vitro Model of Early-Onset Preeclampsia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:3217-3224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zhao M, Yin Y, Wei J, Wu M, Yang C, Chen Q. Trophoblastic debris extruded from hydatidiform molar placentae activates endothelial cells: Possible relevance to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Placenta 2016; 45:42-9. [PMID: 27577709 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is currently thought to be induced by a placental factor that triggers maternal endothelial activation. It is now well known that trophoblastic debris shed from the placenta into the maternal blood is associated with this disease. Hydatidiform mole is a pathological pregnancy characterised by hyperplastic trophoblast with little or no fetal development. Women with molar pregnancies may exhibit symptoms resembling preeclampsia. Deportation of trophoblastic debris occurs in molar pregnancies but, whether trophoblastic debris from molar pregnancies expresses pathogenic signals or activates endothelial cells is unknown. METHODS Trophoblastic debris were collected from either hydatidiform molar or normal first trimester placental explants and then exposed to monolayers of endothelial cell for 24 h. Endothelial cell activation was measured by quantifying cell-surface ICAM-1using ELISA. In addition, the expressions of High mobility group box 1(HMGB1) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) on molar placenta were examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Circulating levels of sEndoglin in molar pregnancy was also measured. RESULTS Exposing trophoblastic debris from molar placentae increased endothelial cell surface ICAM-1 expression compared to endothelial cells exposed to trophoblastic debris from controls. Expression of HSP70 but not HMGB1 was significantly increased in hydatidiform molar placentae. The circulating levels of sEndoglin in hydatidiform molar pregnancy were not increased compared to controls. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that trophoblastic debris from molar pregnancies induces endothelial cell activation. HSP70 but not HMGB1 expressed on hydatidiform molar placenta may be a pathogenic signal to endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Wuxi Maternity and Children Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Yongxiang Yin
- Wuxi Maternity and Children Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Man Wu
- Wuxi Maternity and Children Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Chaokuan Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, China.
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Benton SJ, McCowan LM, Heazell AE, Grynspan D, Hutcheon JA, Senger C, Burke O, Chan Y, Harding JE, Yockell-Lelièvre J, Hu Y, Chappell LC, Griffin MJ, Shennan AH, Magee LA, Gruslin A, von Dadelszen P. Placental growth factor as a marker of fetal growth restriction caused by placental dysfunction. Placenta 2016; 42:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Korzeniewski SJ, Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Chaemsaithong P, Kim CJ, Kim YM, Kim JS, Yoon BH, Hassan SS, Yeo L. Maternal plasma angiogenic index-1 (placental growth factor/soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1) is a biomarker for the burden of placental lesions consistent with uteroplacental underperfusion: a longitudinal case-cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:629.e1-629.e17. [PMID: 26688491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental lesions consistent with maternal vascular underperfusion (MVU) are thought to be pathogenically linked to preeclampsia, small-for-gestational-age newborns, fetal death, and spontaneous preterm labor and delivery; yet, these lesions cannot be diagnosed antenatally. We previously reported that patients with such conditions and lesions have an abnormal profile of the angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and antiangiogenic factors (eg, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [sVEGFR]-1). OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the relationship between the maternal plasma PlGF/sVEGFR-1 concentration ratio (referred to herein as angiogenic index-1) and the burden of histologic placental features consistent with MVU; and (2) test the hypothesis that angiogenic index-1 can identify patients in the midtrimester who are destined to deliver before 34 weeks of gestation with multiple (ie, ≥3) histologic placental features consistent with MVU. STUDY DESIGN A 2-stage case-cohort sampling strategy was used to select participants from among 4006 women with singleton gestations enrolled from 2006 through 2010 in a longitudinal study. Maternal plasma angiogenic index-1 ratios were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Placentas underwent histologic examination according to standardized protocols by experienced pediatric pathologists who were blinded to clinical diagnoses and pregnancy outcomes. The diagnosis of lesions consistent with MVU was made using criteria proposed by the Perinatal Section of the Society for Pediatric Pathology. Weighted analyses were performed to reflect the parent cohort; "n*" is used to reflect weighted frequencies. RESULTS (1) Angiogenic index-1 (PlGF/sVEGFR-1) concentration ratios were determined in 7560 plasma samples collected from 1499 study participants; (2) the prevalence of lesions consistent with MVU was 21% (n* = 833.9/3904) and 27% (n* = 11.4/42.7) of women with ≥3 MVU lesions delivered before 34 weeks of gestation; (3) a low angiogenic index-1 (<2.5th quantile for gestational age) in maternal plasma samples obtained within 48 hours of delivery had a sensitivity of 73% (n* = 8.3/11.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47-98%), a specificity of 94% (n* = 3130.9/3316.2; 95% CI, 94-95%), a positive likelihood ratio of 12.2, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.29 in the identification of patients who delivered placentas with ≥3 MVU lesions at <34 weeks; (4) prospectively, at 20-23 weeks of gestation, a maternal plasma concentration of angiogenic index-1 <2.5th quantile identified 70% (n* = 7.2/10.3; 95% CI, 42-98%) of patients who delivered placentas with ≥3 MVU lesions before 34 weeks (specificity, 97% [n* = 2831.3/2918; 95% CI, 96-98%]; positive likelihood ratio, 23; negative likelihood ratio, 0.31); and (5) among women without obstetrical complications who delivered at term, angiogenic index-1 was lower in women with than without placental lesions consistent with MVU (P < .05). CONCLUSION Maternal plasma angiogenic index-1 (PlGF/sVEGFR-1) is the first biomarker for the burden of placental lesions consistent with MVU. We propose that an accumulation of these lesions in placentas delivered before 34 weeks is a histologic counterpart of an antiangiogenic profile.
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Diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for pre-eclampsia in patients with established hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int 2016; 89:874-85. [PMID: 26924064 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic hypertension (CHT) frequently develop superimposed pre-eclampsia, but distinction from pre-existing disease is challenging. Plasma placental growth factor (PlGF), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and serum relaxin concentrations were quantified in a longitudinal prospective cohort of 121 women with CKD: 44 with chronic hypertension, and 79 healthy controls. Biomarker concentrations were compared with 32 women with pre-eclampsia without pre-existing disease. Test performance was evaluated for diagnosis of superimposed pre-eclampsia requiring delivery within 14 days of sampling. PlGF was evaluated as a promising marker in a validation cohort of women with suspected pre-eclampsia (29 with CKD; 94 with chronic hypertension; 29 with superimposed pre-eclampsia requiring delivery within 14 days) and compared with women without pre-existing disease (290 with no pre-eclampsia and 176 with pre-eclampsia requiring delivery within 14 days). From 20 and up to 42 weeks of gestation, lower maternal PlGF concentrations had high diagnostic accuracy for superimposed pre-eclampsia requiring delivery within 14 days (receiver operator characteristic 0.85) and confirmed in the validation cohort. The other plasma and serum biomarkers were not discriminatory. Thus, plasma PlGF concentrations could potentially help guide clinical decision making regarding admission and delivery for superimposed pre-eclampsia.
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Huppertz B. Maternal–fetal interactions, predictive markers for preeclampsia, and programming. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 108:26-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zhang Z, Yang X, Zhang L, Duan Z, Jia L, Wang P, Shi Y, Li Y, Gao J. Decreased expression and activation of Stat3 in severe preeclampsia. J Mol Histol 2015; 46:205-19. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-015-9613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Rath G, Aggarwal R, Jawanjal P, Tripathi R, Batra A. HIF-1 Alpha and Placental Growth Factor in Pregnancies Complicated With Preeclampsia: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis. J Clin Lab Anal 2014; 30:75-83. [PMID: 25545166 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.21819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not clearly understood worldwide. Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is thought to be the preliminary factor for the hypoxic conditions prevailing in preeclampsia, which causes imbalance in the expression of angiogenic proteins. A proangiogenic protein, placental growth factor (PIGF), is reported to be dysregulated in preeclampsia. Therefore, this study focuses on the investigation of HIF-1α and PIGF in preeclamptic conditions and a possible molecular association between them. METHODS Placental tissue (n = 45 + 45) and serum samples (n = 80 + 80) of preeclamptic patients and healthy control were collected and processed for the analysis of HIF-1α and PIGF by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS In preeclamptic group, the significant nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of HIF-1α was noticed in syncytiotrophoblast (P = 0.0001) but in control placenta, it was localized to cytoplasm (P = 0.0001). The intensity of PIGF expression was lower in syncytiotrophoblast cytoplasm (P = 0.0001) in preeclamptic cases as compared with control. Also, the significant upregulated concentration of HIF-1α and downregulated PIGF was observed in serum samples of preeclamptic woman (P = 0.0001). Thus, there was a significant direct negative correlation between HIF-1α and PIGF both at tissue and serum level (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The direct inverse association between HIF-1α and PIGF in serum and placental tissues may be responsible for the low oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, leading to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Rath
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ruby Aggarwal
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Jawanjal
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Richa Tripathi
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Aruna Batra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Rivers ER, Horton AJ, Hawk AF, Favre EG, Senf KM, Nietert PJ, Chang EY, Foley AC, Robinson CJ, Lee KH. Placental Nkx2-5 and target gene expression in early-onset and severe preeclampsia. Hypertens Pregnancy 2014; 33:412-26. [PMID: 24987805 PMCID: PMC4192008 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2014.925564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide and is a significant source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying PE are poorly understood and major questions regarding etiology and risk factors remain to be addressed. Our objective was to examine whether abnormal expression of the cardiovascular developmental transcription factor, Nkx2-5, was associated with early onset and severe preeclampsia (EOSPE). METHODS Using qPCR and immunohistochemical assay, we examined expression of Nkx2-5 and target gene expression in EOSPE and control placental tissue. We tested resulting mechanistic hypotheses in cultured cells using shRNA knockdown, qPCR, and western blot. RESULTS Nkx2-5 is highly expressed in racially disparate fashion (Caucasians > African Americans) in a subset of early EOSPE placentae. Nkx2-5 mRNA expression is highly correlated (Caucasians > African Americans) to mRNA expression of the preeclampsia marker sFlt-1, and of the Nkx2-5 target and RNA splicing factor, Sam68. Knockdown of Sam68 expression in cultured cells significantly impacts sFlt-1 mRNA isoform generation in vitro, supporting a mechanistic hypothesis that Nkx2-5 impacts EOSPE severity in a subset of patients via upregulation of Sam68 to increase sFlt-1 expression. Expression of additional Nkx2-5 targets potentially regulating metabolic stress response is also elevated in a racially disparate fashion in EOSPE. CONCLUSIONS Expression of Nkx2-5 and its target genes may directly influence the genesis and racially disparate severity, and define a mechanistically distinct subclass of EOSPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R. Rivers
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Anthony J. Horton
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Angela F. Hawk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Elizabeth G. Favre
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Katherine M. Senf
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Paul J. Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Eugene Y. Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Ann C. Foley
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Regenerative Medicine, Cell Biology and Anatomy Department, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Bioengineering Department, Clemson University, Charleston, SC
| | | | - Kyu-Ho Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Regenerative Medicine, Cell Biology and Anatomy Department, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Bioengineering Department, Clemson University, Charleston, SC
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Alasztics B, Gullai N, Molvarec A, Rigó Jr. J. The role of angiogenic factors in preeclampsia. Orv Hetil 2014; 155:1860-6. [DOI: 10.1556/oh.2014.30042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the most common and most serious complications of pregnancy and the management of this condition still challenges obstetricians. Despite intensive research the etiology of preeclampsia still remains unclear. At the beginning of the 2000s preeclampsia-related research was directed towards factors that influence angiogenesis. Most studies have been carried out on the placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Most publications confirm the increased concentrations of antiangiogenic factors and decreased concentrations of proangiogenic factors in maternal blood samples in preeclampsia even before the onset of clinical symptoms. According to our current knowledge antiangiogenic proteins are responsible for the endothelial dysfunction in the symptomatic stage of the disease. Placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 may have important roles in the prediction and treatment of the disease. The point of care detection of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 may be used to predict preeclampsia. Rapid tests are available to determine the serum levels of the two proteins. Removal of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 from maternal circulation is a potential treatment option for early onset preeclampsia. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(47), 1860–1866.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Alasztics
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Baross u. 27. 1082
| | - Nóra Gullai
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Baross u. 27. 1082
| | - Attila Molvarec
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Baross u. 27. 1082
| | - János Rigó Jr.
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Baross u. 27. 1082
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Govender N, Naicker T, Moodley J. Maternal imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in HIV-infected women with pre-eclampsia. Cardiovasc J Afr 2014; 24:174-9. [PMID: 24217170 PMCID: PMC3748445 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2013-029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Angiogenic imbalance contributes to the development of preeclampsia. We evaluated the protein expression of the proangiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) compared with the anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor (sFlt1) and soluble endoglin (sEng) in HIV-infected normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Blood was obtained from 110 pregnant women, enrolled in four groups, namely, HIV-negative normotensives (27); HIV-positive normotensives (31); HIV-negative pre-eclamptics (27) and HIV-positive pre-eclamptics (25), and was used to measure PlGF, TGF-β1, sFlt1 and sEng levels. Increased sFlt1 and sEng levels were associated with the pre-eclamptics (HIV negative and positive) compared with their counterparts. Decreased PlGF levels were observed between the HIV-negative pre-eclamptics versus HIV-negative normotensives, but levels differed significantly (p = 0.02) among the normotensives (HIV negative and positive). TGF-β1 remained unchanged across all groups. Higher sEng/TGF-β1 ratios were associated with the pre-eclamptics (HIV negative and positive) compared with their counterparts. This study demonstrated increased sFlt1 and sEng levels in pre-eclamptic compared with normotensive pregnancies, irrespective of the HIV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Govender
- Optics and Imaging Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Pinheiro CC, Rayol P, Gozzani L, dos Reis LM, Zampieri G, Dias CB, Woronik V. The relationship of angiogenic factors to maternal and neonatal manifestations of early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia. Prenat Diagn 2014; 34:1084-92. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cilene Carlos Pinheiro
- Nephrology Department; University of São Paulo School of Medicine; São Paulo Brazil
- Santa Joana Hospital and Maternity Center; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Patricia Rayol
- Santa Joana Hospital and Maternity Center; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Luiz Gozzani
- Santa Joana Hospital and Maternity Center; São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Viktoria Woronik
- Nephrology Department; University of São Paulo School of Medicine; São Paulo Brazil
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Hadker N, Garg S, Costanzo C, van der Helm W, Creeden J. Are there financial savings associated with supplementing current diagnostic practice for preeclampsia with a novel test? Learnings from a modeling analysis from a German payer perspective. Hypertens Pregnancy 2014; 32:105-19. [PMID: 23725076 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2011.638958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the financial impact of adding a novel serum test to the current diagnostic toolkit for preeclampsia (PE) detection in Germany. METHODS A decision-analytic model was created to quantify the economic impact of adding a recently developed novel diagnostic test for PE (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland) to current diagnostic practice in Germany. The model simulated a cohort of 1000 pregnant patients receiving obstetric care and quantified the budget impact of adding the novel test to current German PE detection and management practices. RESULTS The model estimates that the costs associated with managing a typical pregnancy in Germany are €941 when the novel test is used versus €1579 with standard practice. This represents savings of €637 per pregnant woman, even when the test is used as a supplementary diagnostic tool. The savings are attributed to the novel test's ability to better classify patients relative to current practice, specifically, its ability to reduce false negatives by 67% and false positives by 71%. CONCLUSION The novel PE test has the potential to provide substantial cost savings to German healthcare payers, even when used as an addition to standard practice. Better classification of patients at risk for developing PE and declassification of those that are not compared to current practice leads to economic savings for the healthcare system. Furthermore, by reducing the rates of false-positive and false-negative classification relative to current standard of care, the test helps better target healthcare spending and lowers overall costs associated with PE care.
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Chappell LC, Duckworth S, Seed PT, Griffin M, Myers J, Mackillop L, Simpson N, Waugh J, Anumba D, Kenny LC, Redman CWG, Shennan AH. Diagnostic accuracy of placental growth factor in women with suspected preeclampsia: a prospective multicenter study. Circulation 2014; 128:2121-31. [PMID: 24190934 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.113.003215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a major contributor to death and disability for pregnant women and their infants. The diagnosis of preeclampsia by using blood pressure and proteinuria is of limited use because they are tertiary, downstream features of the disease. Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic factor, a secondary marker of associated placental dysfunction in preeclampsia, with known low plasma concentrations in the disease. METHODS AND RESULTS In a prospective multicenter study, we studied the diagnostic accuracy of low plasma PlGF concentration (<5th centile for gestation, Alere Triage assay) in women presenting with suspected preeclampsia between 20 and 35 weeks' gestation (and up to 41 weeks' gestation as a secondary analysis). The outcome was delivery for confirmed preeclampsia within 14 days. Of 625 women, 346 (55%) developed confirmed preeclampsia. In 287 women enrolled before 35 weeks' gestation, PlGF <5th centile had high sensitivity (0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.99) and negative predictive value (0.98; 0.93-0.995) for preeclampsia within 14 days; specificity was lower (0.55; 0.48-0.61). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for low PlGF (0.87, standard error 0.03) for predicting preeclampsia within 14 days was greater than all other commonly used tests, singly or in combination (range, 0.58-0.76), in women presenting with suspected preeclampsia (P<0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS In women presenting before 35 weeks' gestation with suspected preeclampsia, low PlGF has high sensitivity and negative predictive value for preeclampsia within 14 days, is better than other currently used tests, and presents an innovative adjunct to management of such women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Chappell
- Women's Health Academic Centre, King's College London, London, UK (L.C.C., S.D., P.T.S., M.G., A.H.S.); Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, UK (J.M.); Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK (L.M.); Section of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Leeds, UK (N.S.); Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK (J.W.); Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK (D.A.); The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Ireland (L.C.K.); and Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, UK (C.W.G.R.)
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Schaarschmidt W, Rana S, Stepan H. The course of angiogenic factors in early- vs. late-onset preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. J Perinat Med 2013; 41:511-6. [PMID: 23612628 PMCID: PMC3928646 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2012-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Preeclampsia (PE) is considered a uniformly progressive disease, however, it shows a different pattern of clinical progression in patients with early (<34 weeks) or late (≥ 34 weeks) onset of the disease. Angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are closely related to the clinical course of PE. We evaluated sFlt-1 and PlGF levels in the clinical course of PE in women admitted with a diagnosis of PE at different gestational ages. METHODS This retrospective study included 34 patients with PE, of which 11 patients had HELLP syndrome (over a period of 3 years). Serial measurements of sFlt-1 and PlGF were completed from admission until delivery. Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS Mean gestational age of admission among women with early onset PE was significantly lower, at 29 ± 3 weeks compared to 37±1 weeks among patients with late onset disease. Mean prolongation of pregnancy was 6 days, which was similar within the two groups. Compared to women with late onset PE, women with early-onset PE had a greater increase in sFlt-1 (11% vs. 3% per day, P<0.05), greater decrease in PlGF levels (21% vs. 10% per day, P=0.30), resulting in a much higher increase in sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (23% vs. 8% per day, P<0.05). Patients with HELLP syndrome showed comparable progression patterns. CONCLUSION In a similar way to the progressively worsening clinical course observed in women with early onset PE, there were changes in the angiogenic profile that leads to a more anti-angiogenic state in these women with each passing day. These findings may have implications in identification of the women for appropriate patient management and possible future therapies based on the reduction of sFlt-1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Schaarschmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Engels T, Pape J, Schoofs K, Henrich W, Verlohren S. Automated measurement of sFlt1, PlGF and sFlt1/PlGF ratio in differential diagnosis of hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Hypertens Pregnancy 2013; 32:459-73. [PMID: 23957293 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2013.827205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The utility of angiogenic and antiangiogenic biomarkers as diagnostic tools in preeclampsia (PE) has been shown in previous studies. Our study's aim was to evaluate the use of automated measurement of sFlt1, PlGF and their ratio (sFlt1/PlGF) in differential diagnosis of hypertensive pregnancy disorders. PATIENTS/METHODS Sixty-four patients with PE/HELLP, 18 with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), 22 with gestational proteinuria (GP) and 232 controls were investigated. The PE/HELLP group was divided into mild PE (mPE, n=31), severe PE (sevPE, n=20), superimposed PE (supPE, n=7) and HELLP syndrome (n=6). sFlt1 and PlGF were measured in serum samples on an automated platform. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric methods, ROC analysis and logistic regression method. RESULTS PE patients showed higher sFlt1 and ratio and lower PlGF than controls (median ± SEM in pg/mL; 10888 ± 878 versus 2456 ± 116; 268 ± 39 versus 16 ± 2 and 68 ± 6 versus 439 ± 37, each p<0.001), subgroups showed similar differences in ratios (median ± SEM; supPE: 202 ± 110; mPE: 137 ± 27; sevPE: 497 ± 91; HELLP syndrome: 254 ± 72 versus controls 16 ± 2, each p<0.001). ROC analysis showed best performance for sFlt1/PlGF (AUC all PE: ratio 96.4%, sFlt1 92.8%, PlGF 92.4%, supPE: ratio 93.6%, mPE: ratio 94.8%, sevPE: ratio 99.4%, HELLP: ratio 98.6%, each versus controls). Patients with PIH and GP showed significant differences compared to controls (p ≤ 0.01, respectively), mPE (p ≤ 0.007), sevPE (p<0.001) and HELLP syndrome (p ≤ 0.003). CONCLUSION The automated measurement of sFlt1/PlGF is a reliable diagnostic tool in differential diagnosis of hypertensive pregnancy disorders and gives additional valuable information for clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Engels
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité University Medicine , Berlin , Germany
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Zhao M, Yin Y, Guo F, Wang J, Wang K, Chen Q. Placental expression of VEGF is increased in pregnancies with hydatidiform mole: possible association with developing very early onset preeclampsia. Early Hum Dev 2013; 89:583-8. [PMID: 23522390 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydatidiform mole is an abnormal pregnancy with over-proliferation of the placenta, which causes the dysfunction of placenta. Although more than 80% of hydatidiform moles are benign with good outcome, hydatidiform moles are associated with developing very early onset preeclampsia. However the association between hydatidiform mole and very early onset preeclampsia is unclear. Preeclampsia is associated with altered levels of angiogenic factors, like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble endoglin. AIM The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of VEGF and endoglin in hydatidiform molar placenta. STUDY DESIGN 21 placentas from complete hydatidiform mole, 9 placentas from partial hydatidiform mole and 18 placentas from gestation matched placenta were collected in this study. SUBJECTS The subjects of this study are human placentas. OUTCOME MEASURES The protein levels and mRNA levels of VEGF and endoglin were measured using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real time PCR. RESULTS The protein levels of VEGF measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting were significant increased, as well as mRNA levels of VEGF quantified by real time PCR in hydatidiform molar placenta in comparison to normal controls. There was no difference in the protein levels of VEGF between complete and partial hydatidiform moles. In contrast, the levels of protein and mRNA in endoglin were no difference between hydatidiform molar placenta and normal controls. CONCLUSION In this study our data show that hydatidiform moles produce more VEGF than normal early pregnant placenta. The increased levels of angiogenic factors VEGF in hydatidiform moles may link to the mechanism of developing very early onset preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated Nanjing Medical University, China
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Song C, Xie S, Wang J, Lian J, Diao B, Tang Y. Association of angiotensinogen gene polymorphisms and angiogenic factors with preeclampsia in Chinese women. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2013; 76:64-8. [PMID: 23860016 DOI: 10.1159/000352070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms and angiogenic factors with preeclampsia (PE) in Chinese women. METHODS A study on Chinese women was performed. Detection of the M235T polymorphism of AGT gene was carried out by PCR. Using a χ² test, genotype and allele frequencies were compared in all groups. Maternal serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) at gestation were compared between 92 women with PE and 100 controls by ELISA. RESULTS Compared to the controls, the AGT homozygous of TT genotype in PE occurred significantly more frequently and the T allele was observed to occur more frequently than the M allele (p < 0.05). sFlt1 was present in high quantities in the serum of women with PE and was associated with low levels of free VEGF and PlGF (p < 0.05). Plasma sFlt1 levels are higher in PE patients with TT heterozygotes compared with MM homozygotes, but PIGF is lower (p < 0.05). Plasma VEGF concentrations showed no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that AGT M235T polymorphism is associated with PE in Chinese women. Furthermore, the gene polymorphism of the components of the renin-angiotensin system may contribute to the concentration alterations of sFlt1, VEGF, and PlGF in maternal serum, which causes disordered vasculogenesis contributing to PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Song
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, PR China.
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